Northern Ont. police focus on ‘Big Four’ over long weekend

An undated photo of an Ontario Provincial Police officer using a radar gun with in his cruiser. (File photo/CTV News Northern Ontario)

Ontario Provincial Police will be conducting increased patrols on area highways over the Labour Day long weekend, with a focus on the driving behaviours most commonly linked to fatal collisions.

The initiative, which runs from Aug. 29 to Sept. 1, will see police take a combined approach of education and focused enforcement.

Officers will target the “Big Four” causal factors in motor vehicle collision fatalities:

• Impaired - alcohol/drug related
• Distracted driving - including texting, inattentiveness
• Aggressive driving - including speeding
• Seatbelts - lack of occupant restraint

Aiming for a safe holiday

The heightened enforcement is aimed at increasing public compliance with traffic laws and saving lives.

“As we welcome motorists to enjoy all that northern Ontario has to offer this Labour Day long weekend,” said acting Insp. Mike Salminen, the interim commander of the East Algoma OPP detachment. “OPP is reminding everyone to make road safety a priority.”

Salminen noted that drivers will notice an increased police presence.

“Officers will be targeting high-risk behaviours including speeding, seatbelt non-compliance, distracted driving, and impaired driving,” he said. “These actions continue to lead to serious and often fatal collisions, many of which are entirely preventable. Our goal is simple: we want everyone to arrive at their destination and return home safely.”

Authorities also said their efforts will extend beyond the roads.

“OPP and its traffic safety partners remain committed to saving lives on our roads, trails and waterways,” said police.